Five of the best Bundesliga signings

The Bundesliga will certainly miss the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Roberto Firmino in the upcoming season, but that doesn't mean one of Europe's most entertaining leagues will be poorer for it. We take a look at a few of the most exciting signings made by German clubs this off-season.

Arturo Vidal (Juventus to Bayern Munich)

After being extensively linked with Manchester United over the past few years, the Chilean was roped in by Bayern boss Pep Guardiola to fill the void in the Bavarians' midfield left by Schweinsteiger's departure. Bayern already had something of a star-studded midfield, but didn't have access to a player quite like the former Juventus man. Vidal is certainly not the 'tiki-taka' style player which Guardiola has had unprecedented success with, but he will add significant impetus to the side with his trademark forward runs from deep and goal-scoring ability. The 28-year-old is a player in his prime and €40 million represents good value for Bayern, particularly if he adds an extra dimension to the side when opposing teams snuff out their possession-based approach.

Max Kruse (Borussia Monchengladbach to Woflsburg)

Wolfsburg were Bayern's closest rivals for the Bundesliga title last season and will be strengthened significantly with the signing of Kruse for €12 million. A striker who netted 11 times in the league last season doesn't appear to be that much of a coup, but the German international's penchant to drop deeper and look for a pass makes him a dangerous player. Should Kevin De Bruyne remain at Die Wolfe next term, the Belgian will form part of one of the most fearsome attacking units with Kruse and Bas Dost.

Douglas Costa (Shakhtar Donetsk to Bayern Munich)

A fee of €30 million seems a significant one for a winger when one already has access to world class wide players in Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, but Costa's signing is as much one for the future as it is for the present. At times during Guardiola's tenure, Bayern struggled to break down stubborn defenses, particularly when Ribery or Robben were missing from the side through injury. Even though the Brazilian has been earmarked as Ribery's long-term replacement, he would add an extra option in those sorts of situations. Known for his speed, dribbling skills and passing ability in the final third, the 24-year-old looks set to be a big hit at the Allianz Arena.

Johannes Geis (Mainz to Schalke)

The 21-year-old midfielder was the cornerstone of the Mainz side that finished 11th last season and was extensively linked with moves to Italy prior to joining Schalke for a reported €10 million. A defensive midfielder who is known for his ability to read the game well, Geis is as comfortable in the tackle as he is with the ball at his feet. He chipped in with four goals for Mainz last season and should add some mobility to a Schalke midfield that was far too stagnant to challenge for top honours last time around.

Christoph Kramer (Borussia Monchengladbach to Bayer Leverkusen)

Technically not a new signing, but a 'new' addition to the Leverkusen squad for the season. The arrival of Charles Aranguiz at the BayArena has been a hot topic of discussion, but Kramer's return to the Leverkusen midfield after a long spell with Gladbach might be the move with more of a lasting impact. Perhaps better known for being substituted 17 minutes into the World Cup final in 2014 after suffering a concussion, Kramer was instrumental in helping Gladbach qualify for this season's Champions League while on loan from his parent club. The second defensive midfielder on our list, Kramer's outstanding attributes are his tireless work-rate and constant pressing of opposing attackers in offensive positions.